News Summary
Detroit will welcome veterans and active service members for the annual Silkies Hike on August 30. This eight-mile hike is designed to improve mental health, foster camaraderie, and combat veteran suicide through shared experiences. With various activities planned and a relaxed atmosphere, the event encourages personal expression as attendees join together for a day of support and connection.
Detroit will host the annual Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike on Saturday, August 30, aimed at fostering camaraderie and enhancing the mental well-being of veterans and active service members. This unique event invites participants to engage in an approximately eight-mile hike as a means to improve mental health and combat veteran suicide through shared experiences and humor.
The gathering will commence at 9:30 AM at IBEW Local Union 58, located at 1358 Abbott Street in Detroit. Participants can expect various activities, including raffles and snacks, as well as a collective moment of gratitude meant to build morale before setting off on the hike. Throughout the journey, hikers will stop at different local establishments and enjoy a lunch break at The Old Shillelagh.
The Silkies Hike is exclusively tailored for veterans, active duty personnel, members of the National Guard, and reservists, creating a safe and supportive environment that fosters openness among participants. Scott Robbert, the Coordinator for the Detroit Silkies Hike, highlights the importance of shared experiences in nurturing connections among those who have served. Unique to Michigan, this event has been volunteer-organized since 2022 and reflects the city’s spirit of grit and resilience—qualities familiar to many veterans.
The hike is free for service members, following a requirement for registration via the Irreverent Warriors website. Registration remains open until the day of the event, where interested participants can sign up by selecting “Detroit” on the webpage. To help participants connect before the hike, a pre-party meet and greet will occur on Friday, August 29, at The Old Miami in Detroit.
Unlike traditional competitive athletic events, Silkies Hikes are designed to be leisurely walks with numerous opportunities for fellowship and refreshments. This year’s theme, “The Vikings Have Landed,” encourages attendees to “come as you are,” with attire options ranging from silkies and military packs to tactical vests, boots, or even horned helmets. This inclusive aspect of the event emphasizes comfort and personal expression among participants.
The Irreverent Warriors organization is a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans by fostering a sense of community through humor and camaraderie. By organizing such therapeutic events, the group aims to encourage lasting bonds that help combat feelings of isolation often experienced by veterans. Additionally, the organization collaborates with various veteran service groups to connect individuals with essential resources that can further assist in their journey toward recovery and wellness.
Veterans and active service members interested in participating in the Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike on August 30 can look forward to a day of connection, support, and enjoyment while walking through the streets of Detroit, highlighting the resilience of both the city and its veterans.
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Additional Resources
- The Lasco Press: Do You Know a Veteran Who Needs Peer Support and Fellowship?
- Wikipedia: Veterans’ Organizations
- The Lasco Press: Veterans and Health – Mental Wellbeing Support Resources
- Google Search: Mental Health Resources for Veterans
- The Lasco Press: Community Events for Veterans in Detroit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- The Lasco Press: Irreverent Warriors Events Supporting Veterans
- Google News: Events for Veterans
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
